Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, MD (2023 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $10,994
- 25-Year Savings: $9,900
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Manchester.
In Manchester, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $10,994 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Manchester homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Manchester see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,158 |
| 3 years | $-8,487 |
| 5 years | $-6,815 |
| 7 years | $-5,144 |
| 9 years | $-3,472 |
| 11 years | $-1,801 |
| 13 years | $-129 |
| 15 years | $1,542 |
| 17 years | $3,214 |
| 19 years | $4,885 |
| 21 years | $6,557 |
| 23 years | $8,228 |
| 25 years | $9,900 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Manchester is $10,994, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Manchester. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Manchester to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Manchester is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,021 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,671 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,477 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,437 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,553 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,824 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,250 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,831 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Manchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Manchester, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manchester?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Manchester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Manchester. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Manchester is currently $321,700, so you can look forward to a value of about $13,190 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Manchester is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Manchester?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.